LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 1
Lab 1 – PercussAtSight Product Description
Ismail Ismail
Old Dominion University
CS 410
Dr. Sarah Hosni
December 10, 2023
Version 1 Draft
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 2
Table of Contents
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 3 2 Product Description................................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Key Product Features and Capabilities…………………………………………………5 2.2 Major Components (Hardware/Software)....................................................................... 6 3 Identification of Case Study.................................................................................................... 8 4 Product Prototype Description...............................................................................................10 4.1 Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software)................................................................11 4.2 Prototype Features and Capabilities.............................................................................. 11 4.3 Prototype Development Challenges...............................................................................11 5 Glossary................................................................................................................................. 11 6 References........................................................................................................................ 12-13
List of Figures
Figure 1: Major Functional Component Diagram 7
List of Tables
Table 1: Table of Comparison Between RWP and Prototype 11
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 3
1. Introduction
Sight reading holds a significance for musicians comparable to the essentiality of code comprehension for software developers. Percussionists, in particular, encounter distinct challenges in this realm due to the myriad requirements of both group and solo performances. The current resources
available for percussionists to hone their sight reading skills are notably deficient, prompting the percussionist community to actively seek a comprehensive solution tailored to their unique needs. This necessity stems from various factors, including the description of sight reading and its pivotal importance, the evolution of sight reading apps and their impact on student learning, and the specific challenges faced by percussionists.
Addressing this gap, PercussAtSight emerges as a valuable tool designed for musicians, teachers, and students alike, providing a platform to teach and learn the intricate skill of sight reading. This innovative solution caters to the specific needs of percussionists, which are often overlooked by existing resources. Noteworthy features include a diverse selection of sheet music generated dynamically to accommodate varying difficulty levels, instructor feedback for users, and, in the absence of a dedicated instructor, AI-driven feedback and adaptive sheet adjustments. Users can personalize their practice environment based on difficulty, making it suitable for auditions or general practice.
PercussAtSight offers a range of functionalities, including the incorporation of multiple instruments, isolation of specific topics for focused learning, and customization of the learning environment. For teachers, the platform facilitates music class management, enables the teaching of isolated topics, and provides a means to offer constructive feedback to students. In essence, PercussAtSight stands as a comprehensive solution that not only addresses the specific challenges faced by percussionists in sight reading but also enhances the overall learning experience for musicians, teachers, and students alike.
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 4 Product Description
PercussAtSight, a dynamic web application for generating music scores, is primarily designed to function as a sight reading practice tool tailored for percussionists. This application empowers users to customize their options, enabling the dynamic generation of scores for sight reading. Beyond this functionality, PercussAtSight also features the capability to record user performances, utilizing either Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) or audio tracks as data for subsequent processing and analysis by artificial intelligence (AI). The AI scrutinizes the recorded data, identifying any discrepancies with the generated score and providing users with relevant feedback.
In addition to its role as a practice tool, PercussAtSight offers a virtual learning environment for both teachers and students. Within this platform, users can create, comment on, complete, and grade assignments. The software operates on a subscription-based model, allowing individuals to choose between monthly and annual payment options, while educational institutions have the option of a batch subscription tailored to their specific needs.
Enhancing the user experience, PercussAtSight's AI functionality extends to providing feedback based on recorded microphone audio. The platform further facilitates collaboration between teachers and students in the creation and completion of assignments. To encourage users to explore the software, a trial version with limited features is offered. Additionally, schools are granted access to the software, enabling them to manage roster accounts efficiently. To maintain user engagement and motivation, PercussAtSight incorporates a system of email and/or in-app notifications designed to keep users on track towards their goals.
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2.1 Key Product Features and Capabilities
Key Product Features and Capabilities of PercussAtSight encompass a range of functionalities designed to enhance the sight reading practice experience for
percussionists. The platform generates dynamic sheets with randomized content, incorporating multiple instruments to provide a diverse practice environment. Users can collaborate with peers and receive valuable instructor feedback within the platform. Customized practice environments are available for users with specific needs, whether it be sight reading practice for auditions or general skill improvement. Subscription plans are tailored to both individual users and educational institutions, offering flexibility in usage.
PercussAtSight's instrument catalog includes a variety of percussive instruments, each accompanied by their unique notational characteristics. The integration of AI
technology introduces features like AI-driven sheet adjustments, AI-driven feedback, and topic isolation to enhance the user experience. The platform utilizes MIDI
technology for information retrieval and instrument interaction, further contributing to its innovative approach.
The overarching goals and objectives of PercussAtSight involve providing users with an option-rich practice environment for efficient sight reading. The platform offers an extensive catalog of percussion instruments, allowing users to receive AI-generated suggestions and feedback based on their sight reading performance, particularly through MIDI input recording. What sets PercussAtSight apart from competitors are its unique features, including AI-driven feedback, MIDI support, the ability to combine multiple percussion instruments onto one score, and a diverse range of percussion instruments.
In terms of accomplishment, PercussAtSight serves as a valuable tool for percussionists to practice sight reading, making it possible for both teachers and AI to provide accurate feedback. The platform is cost-efficient compared to traditional books, aiding
percussionists in audition preparation. Teachers can isolate specific musical concepts, facilitating effective sight reading instruction. Students can track their progress over time, contributing to a comprehensive and progressive improvement in their abilities. Ultimately, PercussAtSight addresses the challenges percussionists face in sight reading by simplifying the teaching process, offering an unlimited and effective resource for practice, promoting collaboration, and providing targeted feedback to enhance skill development.
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 6 The system comprises essential hardware and software components that collectively contribute
to its functionality. The frontend server is designed to serve web-based applications, providing users with an interactive interface for a seamless experience. Complementing this, the backend server takes on the responsibility of computation and handling Application Programming Interface (API) requests, ensuring the smooth operation of the system. A critical element, the database server, plays a pivotal role in storing diverse data, including user information, school data, instrument details, application settings, and feedback data, facilitating subsequent analysis.
The choice of the Apache 2 web server is instrumental in hosting Django-based applications efficiently. This is achieved through the implementation of virtual hosts (vhosts) and Apache2 modules. In addition, the Nginx web server serves as a reverse proxy and load balancer, enhancing both security and efficiency within the system architecture. The frontend language, HTML, forms the foundational structure of the site, while CSS contributes stylistic elements to create an engaging and visually appealing user interface.
Python serves as the backend language, offering versatility and extensive support to ensure the development of a robust and adaptable system. Various API components and libraries, such as py-midi, py-rtmidi, PyAudio, LibROSA, and python-social-auth/social-core, are integrated to enhance overall functionality. The database management system of choice is PostgreSQL, selected for its efficient handling of objects and data interactions. Version control is managed through GitHub, facilitating collaborative development and ensuring codebase integrity. To validate functionality and reliability, the system employs Pytest as the testing framework, providing a comprehensive approach to testing the various components of the system.
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List of Figures
Figure 1
Main Functional Component Diagram
Users, including teachers, students, percussionists, guests, and individuals, engage with
PercussAtSight through their personal devices with internet access. Accessing the platform via a web browser, users can log in using various authentication methods. Following login, users have the option to configure the application through personalized settings and set up any required physical hardware. Subsequently, users can request the generation of a sheet for practice.
These requests are then transmitted to the frontend, backend, and database servers, prompting the necessary modules and data to facilitate the application's operation. The frontend server, in turn, displays the requested data, allowing users to initiate their practice sessions. Following the practice, the application collects performance data, forwarding it to the backend server for analysis. This analysis may be driven either by artificial intelligence (AI) or by instructor input.
Finally, users receive feedback from PercussAtSight based on the analysis, allowing them to continue their practice with informed insights and improvements. This structured process ensures a seamless and personalized experience for users as they engage with PercussAtSight through their internet-enabled devices, facilitating effective and analytical sight reading practice.
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 8 3 Identification of Case Study
For percussion music students, the journey begins with logging into PercussAtSight using their university credentials. Once logged in, students personalize their practice environment by configuring application settings to align with the demands of their coursework. The frontend server displays the generated sheets, facilitating focused and personalized practice sessions.
Post-practice, PercussAtSight collects performance data, analyzed by the backend server, offering AI-driven insights for personalized feedback. This process reinforces learning objectives and contributes to a more tailored and effective practice experience.
For music instructors at ODU, the application will allow them to configure course settings, manage assignments, and customize the learning environment according to their teaching objectives. Instructors will have the flexibility to choose between AI-driven and instructor-driven analysis of student performance data, providing targeted feedback based on unique student needs and skill levels.
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 9 Who is the product for?
It is developed for percussionists facing a distinctive set of challenges when sight reading on their instrument. They lack a unique sight-reading application that has been custom-built for them. The lack of this resource has greatly hindered their ability to properly prepare for auditions, practice effectively, provide insightful teaching sessions, and overall, hampers their progress in sharpening their musical abilities.
What should the product be used for?
○ For teaching by teachers, students, and other percussion individuals.
○ Generation of dynamic sheets that are randomized and the inclusion of multiple instruments.
○ For collaborative learning through instructor input and peer learning.
○ Preparing for auditions.
○ Practice sight reading.
○ Advising the user of the reading mistakes they’ve made using AI suggestions that uses information retrieval and instrument instruction through MIDI technology. ○ Advising the user of the reading mistakes they’ve made based on AI suggestions through audio process and analyzing technology.
○ Access to an instrument catalog containing various percussive instruments and their unique notation
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 10 Who else might benefit from this?
○ Schools that do not have such resources to offer their music students
○ Professional musicians that want to enhance their sight reading skills
○ High school students interested in developing their sight reading skills
4 PercussAtSight Product Prototype Description
4.1 Prototype Architecture (Hardware/Software)
4.2 Prototype Features and Capabilities
4.3 Prototype Development Challenges
5 Glossary
● Application Programming Interface (API): A set of functions/procedures that allows or aids in creating an application
● Arpeggio: The notes of a chord played sequentially whether in ascending or descending order
● Artificial Intelligence (AI): The development of computers performing tasks that normally humans would do, whether it’s visual perception, audio perception, decision making, or other various tasks.
● Batch School Subscription: A subscription program available for educational institutions with a main goal to get PercussAtSight in the hands of more teachers and students
● Chord: A group of particular notes all played simultaneously
● LibROSA: A music and audio analyzing python package that provides the foundation for creating music retrieval systems
● MIDI Controller/Device: Hardware or software that generates and transmits MIDI data to computers
● Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI): A standard used to communicate music data between electronic instruments and computers
LAB 1 – PERCUSSATSIGHT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 11 ● Non-Pitched Percussion: A musical instrument with an indiscernible pitch that generates a sound when struck or scraped
● Pitched Percussion: A musical instrument with a discernible pitch that generates a sound when struck or scraped
● PyAudio: An audio interfacing library that allows for audio recording and playback functionality
● PY-MIDI: A library that allows for building a network-attached virtual MIDI device ● PY-RTMIDI: A library that allows for real time interfacing between MIDI devices and the Windows operating system
● Python-social-auth/social-core: A library that allows for third party
authentication/registration and implements integrations with web frameworks and storage solutions
● Rudiments: A rhythmic pattern made up of a group of notes that resembles a musical concept
● Scale: A sequence of consecutive of notes played sequentially
● Sight Reading: The act of reading and playing a score that's never been seen or practiced before by the performer
● User Interface(UI): a place where both the user and the computer, website or application interact with each other
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6 References
Adamyan, A. (2020). Sight-reading as an important factor in the professional growth of future music teacher. Revista Vórtex, 8(2), 1-16.
https://odu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1ucqpjv/TN_cdi_doaj_primary_ oai_doaj_org_article_a52cc11ee5184a8a9809abcb93ae5b51
Before Your Remote Practical Exam | The Royal Conservatory of Music. (n.d.). https://www.rcmusic.com/learning/examinations/remote-exams/remote-practical-exams/b efore-your-remote-practical-exam
Bovin, A. (2018). The effects of frequent use of a web-based sight-reading software on eighth graders' music notational literacy. Journal of Music, Technology and Education, 11(2), 131-147.
https://odu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1ucqpjv/TN_cdi_ingenta_journal s_ic_intellect_17527066_v11n2_20210721_1415_default_tar_gz_s2
Wheeler, Mark R. (1992). A Comparative Analysis of Melodic and Rhythmic Music Reading Skills of Percussion and Wind Instruments Students in Selected North Carolina High Schools. (n.d.). https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/Wheeler_uncg_9303961.pdf
Practice sight reading and sight singing exercises online – Sight Reading Factory®. (n.d.). https://www.sightreadingfactory.com/
North London Drums. (2020, July 6). Drum Lessons London - Book A Teacher! - North London Drums. https://northlondondrums.co.uk/
Piano sight-reading for beginners. (2022, September 29). Pianist.
https://www.pianistmagazine.com/blogs/piano-sight-reading-for-beginners/
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Official, M. (2023, November 15). The Benefits of Sight Reading: The What, Why, and How. MakeMusic.
https://www.makemusic.com/blog/the-benefits-of-sight-reading-the-what-why-and-how/ Wine, T. (1996). All-State Choruses: A Survey of Practices, Procedures, and Perceptions. The Choral Journal, 36(8), 21-27.
https://odu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1ucqpjv/TN_cdi_proquest_journ als_1306224962
Zhang, J., Schubert, E., & McPherson, G. (2020). Aspects of Music Performance That Are Most Highly Related to Musical Sophistication. Psychomusicology, 30(2), 64-71.
https://odu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1ucqpjv/TN_cdi_proquest_journ als_2594716298
ZipDo. (2023, September 28). Essential Music Education Market Size Statistics in 2023. ZipDo. https://zipdo.co/statistics/music-education-market-size/
Apps and practice tools. (n.d.). ABRSM.
https://www.abrsm.org/en-us/for-learners/apps-and-practice-tools
The MIDI Standard: Introduction to MIDI and Computer music. Center for Electronic and Computer Music: Jacobs School of Music. (n.d.). https://cecm.indiana.edu/361/midi.html The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2023, November 3). MIDI | Definition, Meaning, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/MIDI-music-technology